Pastor Quinn • June 25, 2023

The Holy Ministry Preaches Christ Despite Persecution

From its birth the New Testament Church has been persecuted. The religious leaders in Jerusalem tried to stamp it out, but they only succeeded in spreading Christianity throughout Judea and Samaria. The Roman Empire persecuted Christians with stakes and lions, yet God’s Church exploded with growth in those early centuries. In Martin Luther’s day, both pope and emperor sought to stop the gospel movement that was spreading from Germany. But God was a mighty fortress for the Church.


Still today the Church is persecuted. Every day thirteen Christians worldwide are killed because of their faith. Another twelve are arrested or imprisoned simply because they profess faith in Christ Jesus. In the U.S. we have freedom of religion enshrined as a constitutional right, but that is no guarantee for a life free of persecution. Until Judgment Day, some will attempt to shout down the truth of Christ. We will be persecuted. That won’t stop us. The holy ministry preaches Christ despite persecution. Christ never promised his Church that ministry would operate unopposed. But he did promise to give courage to his witnesses.

By Pastor Quinn • October 18, 2026
We need rest. Without rest, we suffer. Studies show that with too little rest, people experience fatigue and physical imbalances that result in decreased attention, poor decisions, and even speech impairment. People who take no breaks during the workday have lower productivity than those who take periodic breaks. Christians know they need more than sleep or breaks, more than physical rest. We need spiritual rest. The only place to find that type of rest is Jesus. Jesus provides more than a pause in work or enjoyable recreation. Jesus provides the removal of our sins, the cleansing of our guilty consciences, and a gentle new yoke of discipleship in the freedom of the gospel. After a long day of work there is nothing like coming home and finding your couch or your favorite chair or even your bed so you can finally get some physical rest. When we come home to worship each week we find Jesus. And in Jesus, Christians find rest right now from life’s biggest burdens and battles, and eventually eternal rest in heaven. Come home often and enjoy God’s gospel rest.
By Pastor Quinn • October 11, 2026
When Solomon dedicated his temple in the Old Testament he spoke about it as a place of the LORD’s covenant promise and presence with his people, Israel. But, that’s not all it was. Solomon also spoke of the temple, and the saving name and deeds of the LORD proclaimed there, as a centripetal force – drawing people from all over the world to come and know the only Savior God. Christ commissioned his New Testament church to take the good news of the LORD’s salvation to all nations and the Apostle Paul did just that, proclaiming the powerful gospel on his missionary journeys in places of worship. This week, we’ll explore how public worship is more than just a gathering – it’s a powerful witness to the world. As we meditate on Scripture, pray together, and take small but meaningful actions, we’ll discover how God uses ordinary people and everyday worship to share the extraordinary news of Jesus. Let’s learn, grow, and witness – together. Worship is a witness to the world.
By Pastor Quinn • October 4, 2026
There were a number of offerings associated with Old Testament temple worship. One that is familiar to many Christians is the “firstfruits” offering. Firstfruits was an Israelite feast held in the early spring at the beginning of the grain harvest. The people brought the very first sheaf of grain to the priest, who would wave it before the LORD. No other grain was used or even harvested before the firstfruits offering was made. By doing this God’s people were acknowledging that every single blessing they had actually came from the LORD. They were also demonstrating they trusted the LORD to continue to provide everything they needed – blessings both physical and spiritual. In worship, we receive from God – we also respond. One of the ways we respond is by bringing offerings to him. These offerings can take many forms: our time, our talents, and our treasures. This week, we’ll explore how serving and giving is a meaningful act of worship and how each of us has something valuable to offer. Worship is an opportunity to serve and give to God.
More Sermons